Endodontics and Root Canal Specialists in Grapevine

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canals are dental procedures that remove infected tissue and inflamed pulp from the interior spaces of teeth. The American Association of Endodontists recommends root canals as a solution for infections that affect the roots of teeth. These infections can put pressure on nerve endings located within tooth roots, which can cause extreme pain for those suffering from these issues. A root canal removes every bit of infected material and replaces it with an inert substance to stop pain and to allow the tooth to be saved.

Who Can Perform a Root Canal Procedure?

A Grapevine root canal specialist can evaluate the condition of your tooth and can design a treatment plan that will relieve pain and get rid of infected tissue inside your tooth. By working with a specialist in endodontics, you can ensure the best results and can restore your tooth to allow you to bite, chew, and speak effectively and without pain.

Why Are Root Canals Necessary?

The dental team at Grapevine Dental may recommend a root canal if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain from a specific tooth or part of the gums
• Swelling of the gums or jawline
• Pain that gets worse when you bite down or expose a tooth to heat or cold
• A darkening of the tooth enamel
• Odd or unpleasant tastes in the mouth that cannot be explained

If you or any other member of your family has these symptoms, consulting with a qualified root canal dentist in Grapevine can eliminate pain and infection to provide you with the care you need to look and feel your best.

Basics of Root Canal Procedures

If you are nervous about the prospect of a root canal, you should know that our dentists at Grapevine Dental will work to make your experience as stress-free and painless as possible. We use the most advanced methods for numbing the area of the procedure to make sure you are comfortable throughout your root canal. The steps most often used to complete root canals include:

1. Numbing the area: Before beginning the root canal process, your dentist will numb the area using some form of anesthesia. This will reduce or eliminate pain during your root canal procedure.
2. Blocking off the area around the tooth: The affected tooth will be isolated from the rest of your mouth to prevent bacterial intrusion into the interior spaces of the tooth.
3. Drilling a hole in the damaged tooth: To access the structures and potential infections inside your tooth, your root canal dentist will drill a very small hole into your tooth enamel. This hole will allow your dentist to reach the source of the infection and to evaluate the damage to interior structures of your tooth.
4. Removing infected material: During the root canal process, your dentist will remove all infected material and will clean and shape the canals that comprise the roots of your teeth. Any debris or remaining infected material will be rinsed away to create a safe and bacteria-free environment inside your tooth.
5. Sealing the root canals: A dental material called gutta-percha is usually used to fill in the cleaned and shaped canals. This provides structural support for the tooth to help it stay viable for a longer period of time.
6. Applying a temporary filling: A temporary filling will be put in place to support the tooth until a crown can be applied.
7. Fabricating and applying a crown: It may take a few weeks to fabricate your custom crown. Once it is finished, your dentist will apply it to create a strong protective shell around the damaged tooth to allow you to bite and chew with confidence.

Are There Different Types of Root Canals?

While standard root canals are the most common procedures, an apicoectomy may be required if an initial root canal did not resolve issues with infection and pain. 
Pediatric pulpotomies are performed on baby teeth and are designed to remove infected material while leaving roots intact to provide space for permanent teeth when they come through the gums.

How Much Will My Root Canal Cost?

If you have dental insurance, much of the cost of your root canal in Grapevine may be covered by your insurer. The team at Grapevine Dental can provide you with professional help in managing all aspects of your dental costs effectively and in the most affordable way possible.

Where Can I Find a Dentist for Root Canal Near Me?

If you need a reliable endodontist or root canal specialist in the Grapevine area, give Grapevine Dental a call today at (817) 668-6333. We are here to help you look and feel your best every day.